Properties and structure of Al-Zr-Fe-Si alloy after thermomechanical treatment

The effect of thermomechanical treatment on the properties and microstructure of the Al–0.3% Zr–1% Fe– 0.25% Si alloy was studied. The hot rolled samples were subjected to annealing at various temperatures in the range from 250 to 500°C. Characterization of the deformed and reversion annealed microstructures was performed by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Vickers microhardness, tensile properties and electroconductivity of samples annealed at different temperatures were also determined. Optimum properties were observed after annealing at 400°C for 3 hours as a result of the formation of nanosized coherent dispersoids of Al3Zr (L12).